U.S. patent application number 12/238068 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-01 for organization of a contact list based on social network context.
Invention is credited to Chin-Ju Chen, Ethan Hugg, Matthew Kuhlke, Eric Heng Chih Lee.
Application Number | 20100082693 12/238068 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42058669 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100082693 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hugg; Ethan ; et
al. |
April 1, 2010 |
ORGANIZATION OF A CONTACT LIST BASED ON SOCIAL NETWORK CONTEXT
Abstract
The method includes determining a social network weighting for
one or more contacts in a contact list, and arranging the contact
list as a function of the social network weighting for the one or
more contacts. The social network weightings may be determined as a
function of social network context, which may include social
network interactions, social network associations, or social
network activities.
Inventors: |
Hugg; Ethan; (Seattle,
WA) ; Kuhlke; Matthew; (San Francisco, CA) ;
Chen; Chin-Ju; (Cerritos, CA) ; Lee; Eric Heng
Chih; (Cerritos, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE
P.O. BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60610
US
|
Family ID: |
42058669 |
Appl. No.: |
12/238068 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
707/798 ;
707/E17.009 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 51/28 20130101;
H04L 51/32 20130101; H04M 2215/0188 20130101; H04M 1/2746
20200101 |
Class at
Publication: |
707/798 ;
707/E17.009 |
International
Class: |
G06F 17/30 20060101
G06F017/30 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a memory; and a processor in
communication with the memory, the memory including computer code
executable with the processor, wherein the computer code is
configured to: to determine a first social network weighting for a
first contact in a social network, the social network weighting
being determined based on first contact social network context,
where the first social network weighting indicates a likelihood
that the first contact will be selected from a contact list.
2. The apparatus in claim 1, where the first contact social network
context is a social network interaction, social network activity,
or social network association.
3. The apparatus in claim 1, where the computer code is also
configured to determine a first social network weighting for a
first contact in a social network of a social network service.
4. The apparatus in claim 3, where the social network service is an
Internet-based social network service.
5. The apparatus in claim 4, where the contact list is a cellular
telephone contact list.
6. The apparatus in claim 1, where the computer code is also
configured to: determine a second social network weighting for a
second contact in the contact list, where the second contact social
network context is a social network interaction, social network
activity, or social network association.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, where the social network context
includes Internet-based social network interaction between the
first contact and a contact list user associated with the contact
list.
8. A method, comprising: determining a social network weighting for
one or more contacts in a contact list, where the social network
weighting is determined as a function of social network context,
and arranging the contact list as a function of the social network
weighting for one or more contacts.
9. The method in claim 8, where determining a social network
weighting comprises receiving a social network weighting from a web
server monitoring a social network service.
10. The method in claim 8, where determining a social network
weighting comprises determining a social network weighting as a
function of social network interaction with other social
contacts.
11. The method in claim 10, where social network context comprises
social network interactions, social network associations, social
network activities, or any combination thereof.
12. The method in claim 10, where the social network weighting is a
representation of the likelihood a contact associated with the
social network weighting will be selected from the contact
list.
13. The method in claim 8, comprising comparing a first social
network weighting for a first contact with a second social network
weighting for a second contact.
14. The method in claim 13, where arranging the contact list
comprises arranging the contact list so that the first or second
contact with a greater weighting is arranged above the first or
second contact with a lesser weighting.
15. Logic encoded in one or more tangible media for execution and
when executed operable to: determine a first social network
weighting for a first contact in a contact list and a second social
network weighting for a second contact in the contact list, where
the first social network weighting is based on a first contact
social network context and the second social network weighting is
based on a second contact social network context, and arrange the
contact list as a function of the first and second social network
weightings.
16. The logic of claim 15, where social network context includes
social network interaction, social network activity, or social
network association
17. The logic of claim 15, where the social network weighting
indicates the likelihood that a contact will be selected based on a
social network interaction, social network activity, or social
network association.
18. The logic of claim 15, when executed also operable to compare
the first contact social network context to the second contact
social network context and determine whether the first contact
social network context is greater than the second contact social
network context.
19. The system in claim 15, when executed also operable to arrange
the contact list such that the first contact is above the second
contact when the first contact social network context is greater
than the second contact social network context.
20. The system in claim 15, when executed also operable to receive
the first social network weighting and the second social network
weighting from an Internet server that supports an Internet-based
social network.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of Technology
[0002] The present embodiments relate to organizing a contact list
based on social network context.
[0003] 2. Background of Technology
[0004] A cell phone user may use a contact list to look up contact
information. To locate contact information, the cell phone search
may be based on various inputs from the user. Once located, the
contact information may be selected to initiate connection with the
other communication device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a system for arranging
a contact list;
[0006] FIG. 2A illustrates one embodiment of a communication
device, and
[0007] FIG. 2B illustrates one embodiment of a server 40;
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a contact list;
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of social network context;
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a weighting table;
[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of social network
weightings;
[0012] FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C illustrate additional embodiments of
contact lists; and
[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a method for arranging
a contact list.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The present embodiments relate to arranging or organizing a
contact list based on social network service context. A "contact"
may be a person or device that uses a communication device to
communicate. A "contact list" may be a listing of one or more
contacts. The contact list may include contact information used to
communicate with one or more of the contact's communication
devices. For example, the contact list may include a contact's
email address and phone number. The contact information may be
selected to initiate communication with the contact.
[0015] The contact list may be arranged based on social network
service context. A social network service uses software to build
online social networks. The social network service context may be
used to determine the likelihood that a contact or contact
information will be selected from the contact list. For example,
increased interaction with a contact using a social network service
may increase the likelihood that a contact will be selected.
[0016] In a first aspect, an apparatus includes a memory; and a
processor in communication with the memory. The memory includes
computer code executable with the processor. The computer code is
configured to determine one or more social network weightings for
one or more contacts in a social network. The social network
weightings are determined based on social network context. The one
or more social network weightings are operable to be used to
arrange a contact list as a function of the social network
weightings for the one or more contacts in the social network.
[0017] In a second aspect, a method includes determining a social
network weighting for one or more contacts in a contact list, and
arranging the contact list as a function of the social network
weighting for one or more contacts.
[0018] In a third aspect, a system includes a memory having
generating instructions that are executable to generate a social
network weighting for a contact in a contact list and a social
network; and a processor that is operable to execute instructions
stored in the memory.
[0019] As one example, Bob Johnson uses Facebook to build an online
social network, which includes Mary Johnson, Jack Wo, Jane Doe (4),
Jane Doe (5), and David Smith. Bob uses Facebook to interact with
the individuals in the online social network. For example, Bob can
send/receive messages, join groups, and update his profile. Bob's
interaction with the individuals is used to generate a social
network weighting for each individual in the online social network.
The type and amount of interaction with a contact determines the
weight of a social network weighting for that contact. For example,
increased interaction may increase the weight of the social network
weighting. The social network weighting may be used to arrange
Bob's cellular phone contact list. For example, Bob may be trying
to call Jack Wo. Bob uses his cellular phone to search for Jack
Wo's phone number in the cellular phone contact list. Jack's social
network weighting is used to determine Jack's place in the cellular
phone contact list. For example, if Jack Wo's social network
weighting has the greatest weight relative to the other
individuals, Jack Wo's contact information may be disposed at the
top of the cellular phone contact list.
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a system 10 for arranging a contact list 25.
The system 10 may include a communication device 20, a network 30,
and a server 40. Additional, different, or fewer components may be
provided. For example, the system 10 may include a plurality of
communication devices 20 or servers 40. As another example, the
communication device 20 may perform the functions of the server
40.
[0021] The system 10 is a network of communication devices,
routers, servers, workstations, personal computers, any combination
thereof, or other now known or later developed system for providing
predictive support. For example, the system 10 is a network of
devices that automatically arranges a contact list 25 based on
social network service context. Automated assistance is provided to
a user for predicting a desired contact in a contact list 25. In
another example, the system 10 is a server that automatically
weights social network service context. The weights may be
determined based, directly or indirectly, on the likelihood that a
contact will be selected from the contact list 25. The weights may
be used to determine a social network weighting for each individual
in the social network. In another example, the system 10 is a
communication device for intelligent dialing. Intelligent dialing
may combine keystrokes and weighted interactions to predict the
contact that is likely to be selected.
[0022] The network 30 interconnects the communication device 20 and
server 40. The network 30 may be used for communication. The
communication may include transmission using any now known or later
developed protocol. For example, the Internet Protocol (IP) or the
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) may be used.
[0023] FIG. 2A shows one example of a server 40. The server 40 may
include a processor 40 and memory 41. Additional, different, or
fewer components may be provided.
[0024] The server 40 may be a web server, remote terminal server,
network server, central server, personal server, or any other now
known or later developed server. The server 40 may support client
interaction with web applications. For example, the server 40 may
operate to accept an HTTP request from a client, and provide an
HTTP response to the client. The HTTP response may be an HTML
document, but can also be a raw file, an image, or some other type
of document.
[0025] The processor 41 may monitor a social network service.
Monitoring may include logging, recording, copying, observing,
tracking, documenting, requesting, or reporting. The social network
service may be an online social network service, a communication
service, a networking service, or any other service for social
networking. For example, a social network service may be an online
social networking service for building a network 51 and interacting
with people, groups, or organizations. In another example, a social
network service may be a communication service for communication
service with one or more individuals in a network 51. In another
example, a social network services 50 is, for example, a social
service (e.g., MySpace), a business network service (e.g.,
Linked-In), a dating service network (e.g., Harmony.com), or an
invitation service (e.g., Evite). In the example above, Facebook is
the social network service. The server 40 may monitor Bob's use of
Facebook. The server 40 may monitor use of multiple social
networks.
[0026] A social network service may be used to establish a social
network 51. The network 51 may be a community of people who share
interests and activities or who are interested in exploring the
interests and activities of others, such as an association of
individuals. For example, social network service users may be an
online association of friends, colleagues, acquaintances, or
business partners. The network 51 may be customized or defined by a
social network service user. The user may accept or reject requests
to be in the user's network 51. In the example above, Bob Johnson
is the social network service user. Bob Johnson uses Facebook to
build a social network 51, which Facebook labels "Friends."
Accordingly, Bob may use Facebook to invite someone to be his
Friend or in the social network 51. Bob may also reject or accept
another individual's invitation to be a Friend.
[0027] The processor 40 may generate one or more social network
weightings for individuals in the social network 51. A social
network weighting may be a rating, ranking, vote, score, word, bit,
byte, or other factor for determining the likelihood that the
social network service user will contact the individual in the
social network 51. For example, the weighting may be a numerical
score, such as +10 or +5. In another example, the weighting may a
word, such as "important" or "average."
[0028] The social network weighting is determined as a function of
social network service context. Social network service context may
include social network interaction, social network association,
online social network activities, number of shared links (e.g.,
number of shared friends) or any combination thereof. Additional,
different, or less social network service features may be included
as social network context. FIG. 4 illustrates examples of online
social network interaction and social network association.
[0029] A social network interaction may include communication,
chat, messaging, email, video sharing, voice chat, text chat, game
playing, file sharing, wall posting, blogging, discussion groups,
calls, or any combination thereof. As shown in FIG. 4, a public
message 52 and a private message 53 are social network
interactions. Using Facebook as a social network service, the
public message 52 is a wall post and the private message 53 is a
personal message.
[0030] A social network association may include inclusion in a
social network 51. The social network 51 may be individuals having
mutual association, one-way association, direct association,
indirect association, short term association, long term
association, or any combination thereof. In the example above, as
shown in FIG. 4, the inclusion of Mary Johnson in Bob Johnson's
network 51 may be a social network association.
[0031] A social network association may also include association
with an individual in a social network group. The social network
group may be a group of individuals having a similar interest, such
as collecting antiques. The group may include individuals that are
not in network 51. In the example above, Bob Johnson may join a
group, such as "10,000 people against World Hunger." The
individuals associating with "10,000 people against World Hunger"
may or may not be in Bob's social network 51.
[0032] A social network association may also include association
with an individual associated with a social network event 54. A
social network event 54 may be a group of individuals that plan to
be at a certain place during a particular interval of time.
Individuals that plan to attend the event may join the social
network event 54. In the example above, as shown in FIG. 4, Bob
Johnson, Jack Wo, and Mary Johnson are planning to attend a party.
The party is an event 54. The event 54 may associate Bob, Jack, and
Mary. Examples of social network events may include a meeting,
gathering, a traveling, and a game.
[0033] A social network activity may include updating, adding,
deleting, or changing a social network profile 55. In the example
above, as shown in FIG. 4, features in profile 55 may be added,
deleted, or changed. For example, Bob Johnson may update his phone
number, email address, status, availability, photos, or other
social network features.
[0034] The processor 41 may associate, assign, or relate a social
network context weight to a social network context. For example,
one, some, or all of the social network interactions, associations,
or activities may receive a social network context weight. The
weights may be fixed or adjusted. The social network context
weights may be defined based on the likelihood that an individual
will be contacted.
[0035] The social network context weight may indicate the
importance of the interaction, association, or activity with
respect to determining the likelihood that an individual will be
contacted by the social network service user. For example, a
greater social network context weight may indicate an increased
likelihood that an individual in the social network 51 will be
contacted. In an alternative example, a lower social network
context weight may indicate an increased likelihood that an
individual in the social network 51 will be contacted.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 5, the processor 41 may use a weighting
table 60 to associate, assign, or relate a social network context
weight to social network context. In the example of FIG. 5, a
social context weight of +10 may be associated with an individual
in the network 51. The social network service user may be more
likely to contact an individual in the social network 51 than an
individual not in the social network 51. For example, Bob Johnson
may be more likely to contact Jane Doe (4) (in social network 51)
than Jane Doe (3) (not in social network 51). A social interaction
weight of +5 may be associated with an individual that is
associated with the same group or event 54. A social interaction
weight of +3 may be associated with an individual that sends or
receives a message 52, 53 from the social network service user.
[0037] In one example, a social network weight may be increased for
based on the number of mutual contacts or the degrees of mutual
contacts in a social network 51. The number of mutual contacts is
the number of contacts in network that are also in another network.
For example, if Mary Johnson has a network that includes David
Smith (1), David Smith (2), and David Smith (3), then Mary and Bob
have one (1) mutual contact--David Smith (3). Another contact, such
as Jack Wo, may have two (2) mutual contacts with Bob Johnson.
Accordingly, Jack Wo's social network weight may be increased more
than Mary Johnson's social network weight.
[0038] A social network weight may be reduced for social network
context that is less-relevant. Social network context that is
less-relevant may include social network context that is not
current. For example, an individual that has recently communicated
with the social network service user may have a greater likelihood
of being contacted, than an individual that has not communicated
with the user recently. As shown in FIG. 5, a social context weight
of -1 may be associated with each day that passes since the social
network context occurred, until the social interaction weight is
reduced to 0. In the example above, since Jane Doe (5) sent Bob
Johnson a private message 53 yesterday, the weight of the private
message 53, which was originally assigned a weight of +3, is summed
with -1, since the private message was sent one day ago.
[0039] A social network weight may be reduced based on decay over
time, a list of mutual contacts is reduced, you are removed from a
network, the amount of time that it takes for communication to be
deleted, when one individual does not return communication from
another individual. For example, if Jack Wo is removed from network
51, then Jack Wo may have a social interaction weight that is
reduced to 0 or a negative value. In another example, if Mary
Johnson continuously sends Bob Johnson private messages 53, but Bob
Johnson does not return the messages 53, then Mary Johnson may have
a social interaction weight that is reduced to 0 or a negative
value.
[0040] The processor 41 may sum the social network weights of an
individual in the social network 51. The sum of the social network
weights is the social network weighting for the individual in the
social network 51.
[0041] FIG. 6 is an example of social network weightings for
individuals in the social network 51. The social network weightings
may be determined by summing the social network context weights
associated with an individual in the network 51. For example, Mary
Johnson has a social network weighting of +21. Mary Johnson's
social network weighting is determined by summing +10 (e.g., since
Mary is in the network 51), +5 (e.g., since Mary joined the party
event 54), +3 (e.g., since Mary sent a public message 52 today),
and +3 (e.g., since Mary sent a private message 53 today). In
another example, Jack Wo has a social network weighting of +15.
Jack Wo's social network weighting is determined by summing +10
(e.g., since Jack is in the network 51), +5 (e.g., since Jack
joined the party event 54), and +0 (e.g., since Jack sent a private
message 53 more than three days ago, which reduced the +3 to
+0).
[0042] The processor 40 may transmit one or more social network
weightings to the communication device 40. Alternatively, the
processor 40 may transmit social network context information to the
communication device 40. The processor 21 may use the social
network context information to generate social network weightings.
In other alternatives, the processor 40 transmits a relative
ranking of the contacts. As used herein, logic encoded in one or
more tangible media for execution is defined as the instructions
that are executable by the processor and that are provided on the
computer-readable storage media, memories, or a combination
thereof.
[0043] The memory 42 is computer readable storage media. The memory
42 may store data representing instructions executable by a
programmed processor, such as the processor 41 for determining a
social network weighting. The instructions may include acts shown
in the Figures or described herein. For example, as shown in FIG.
2A, the memory 42 may include monitoring instructions 43, weighting
instructions 44, and transmitting instructions 45. Additional,
different, or fewer instructions may be provided. For example,
aggregating instructions may be stored. The aggregating
instructions may be executed to aggregate social network context
from one or more social network services.
[0044] The monitoring instructions 43 may be executed to monitor a
social network service. The social network service is monitored to
identify social network context. For example, the monitoring
instructions 43 are executable to identify social network
interactions, such as messages, and social network
associations.
[0045] The weighting instructions 44 may be executed to generate a
social network weighting for individuals in the network 51. The
weighting instructions 44 may relate social network context to a
social network context weight. The social network context weight
may indicate the relevance of the social network context, with
respect to determining the likelihood a user will contact an
individual in the social network. The weighting instructions 44 may
be executed to sum the social network context weights for an
individual. Summing the social network context weights may include
increasing or decreasing the weight of the social network weighting
based on the social network context weight.
[0046] The transmitting instructions 45 may be executed to transmit
one or more social network weightings or social network context
information to a communication device.
[0047] FIG. 2B shows a communication device 20. The communication
device 20 includes a processor 21, memory 22, input device 23, and
display device 24. Additional, different, or fewer components may
be provided. For example, the communication device 20 may include a
transmit/receive device for transmitting and/or receiving
communication.
[0048] The communication device 20 is a telephone, cellular phone,
mobile phone, telecommunications device, satellite phone, wireless
phone, Internet Protocol (IP) phone, voice-over-IP (VOIP) device,
personal digital assistant (PDA), network phone, personal computer,
server, remote terminal, network endpoint, session initiation
protocol (SIP) device, or any other now known or later developed
device for communicating with other communication devices. For
example, the communication device 20 is a cellular phone for
communicating over a cellular network of base stations. In another
example, the communication device 20 is a personal computer for
communicating over the Internet. In the example above, Bob
Johnson's cellular telephone is the communication device 20.
[0049] The processors 21, 41 are general processors, digital signal
processors, application specific integrated circuits, field
programmable gate arrays, analog circuits, digital circuits,
combinations thereof, or other now known or later developed
processors. The processors 21, 41 may be single devices or a
combination of devices, such as associated with a network or
distributed processing. Any of various processing strategies may be
used, such as multi-processing, multi-tasking, parallel processing,
or the like. Processing may be local, as opposed to remotely. For
example, the processor 21 is operable to perform processing
completed by the processor 41. The processors 21, 41 are responsive
to instructions stored as part of software, hardware, integrated
circuits, firmware, micro-code or the like.
[0050] The processor 21 may receive one or more social network
weightings for one or more individuals in the social network 51.
For example, the social network weightings may be received from the
server 40.
[0051] The processor 21 may access a contact list 25. Accessing the
contact list 25 may include retrieving from memory 22, requesting
and/or receiving from another communication device or server 40, or
using any other now known or later developed technique for
accessing a contact list 25. Universal, global, local, shared,
private, public, or network contact listing techniques may be used.
For example, the processor 21 may retrieve a local contact list 25
stored in memory 22. In the example above, as shown in FIG. 3, Bob
Johnson's contact list 25 is a global contact list, which includes
contacts associated with Bob. Contacts associated with Bob may
include contacts stored in his cellular telephone, his personal
computer, his employer's network contact list, his online social
network 51, his wife's communication device, and/or combinations
thereof. Bob may use his cellular telephone to access the contact
list 25.
[0052] The contact list 25 may include contact information for one
or more contacts. The contact information may include
identification information, address information, a combination
thereof, or other information relating to the contact. Additional,
different, or less information may be provided in the contact list
23. For example, the contact list 25 may include notes, photos, or
remarks related to the contact. In the example above, as shown in
FIG. 3, the contact's name (e.g., Jack Wo) is the identification
information, and the contact's phone number (e.g., (123) 456-7894)
and email address jwo@example.com are the address information.
[0053] The contact information may be used to connect with the
contact. Connecting with the contact may include establishing a
connection with a communication device, sending a message to an
address, or any other communication process. For example, the
contact information may include a phone number. Once the contact is
selected, the communication device 20 may dial the phone number. In
another example, the contact information may be a VOIP address.
Once selected, the communication device 20 may establish a VOIP
connection to the VOIP address for VOIP communication.
[0054] The processor 21 may automatically arrange the contact list
21. Arranging may include ordering, sequencing, organizing,
sorting, systemizing, negotiating, comparing, correlating,
coordinating, or any process of placing in an order. The processor
21 may arrange all, some, or none of the contact list 21 in one or
more sequences. For example, the contact list 21 may be arranged
alphabetically, numerically, based on one or more social network
weightings, based on one or more inputs, any combination thereof,
or based on any other ordering technique.
[0055] The processor 21 may update the contact list 25 based on
social network context information. For example, if Jack Wo changes
a phone number in his profile of the social network service, the
phone number may be updated in the contact list 25. In another
example, if Bob Johnson adds more individuals to the social network
51, the individual's contact information may be added into the
contact list 25. For example, if Sue Tomlison is added to the
social network 51, then Sue Tomlison's name and phone number may be
added to the contact list 25.
[0056] The processor 21 may arrange the contact list 25 as a
function of social network service context. Arranging the contact
list 25 may include comparing social network service weightings and
placing the contacts in order based on the social network service
weightings, other social network context information, input
information, a combination thereof, or other information used to
identify a likely contactee.
[0057] The processor 21 may compare social network weightings.
Comparing may include determining the contacts with the greatest
social network weighting or the least social network weighting. The
social network weightings for one, some, or all of the contacts in
the contact list 25 may be compared to the social network
weightings for one, some, or all of the contacts in the contact
list 25. For example, the social network weighting for Mary Johnson
(+21) may be compared to the social network weighting for David
Smith (3). In another example, the social network weighting for
Mary Johnson (+21) may be compared to the social network weighting
for Jane Doe (3) (N/A).
[0058] The processor 21 may place the contacts in order based on
the social network service weightings, other social network context
information, input information, a combination thereof, or other
information used to identify a likely contactee. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the contact list 25 is arranged as a
function of the social network weightings and input from an input
device 23. In another example, as shown in FIG. 7C, the contact
list 25 is arranged as a function of the overall weighting.
[0059] FIG. 7A shows a contact list 25 that is arranged as a
function of the social network weightings and input from an input
device 23. The input device 23 is used to input "j." The "j" is
used to identify contacts in the contact list 25 with a "j" in the
contact's first or last name. The contacts with a "j" in the
contact's first or last name and with the greatest social network
weighting (e.g., with the highest social network weighting in FIG.
6) are displayed at the top of a contact list 25. For example,
since Mary Johnson's last name begins with a "j" and Mary's social
network weighting is greater than the other contacts with a "j" in
the contact's first or last name, Mary Johnson's name is arranged
at the top of the contact list 25. The contacts that do not have a
social network weighting (e.g., are in the contact list 25, but not
in the social network 51) are arranged in any order, such as
alphabetical or numerical order.
[0060] FIG. 7B shows a contact list 25 that is arranged as a
function of the social network weighting and input from an input
device 23. The input device 23 is used to input "jane." The "jane"
is used to identify contacts in the contact list 25 with "jane" in
the contact's first or last name. The contacts with a "j" at the
beginning of the first or last name and with the greatest social
network weighting (e.g., with the highest social network weighting
in FIG. 6) are displayed at the top of a contact list 25. For
example, since Jane Doe (5)'s first name is "jane" and her social
network weighting is greater than the other contacts with "jane" in
the contact's first or last name, Jane Doe (5)'s name is arranged
at the top of the contact list 25. The contacts that do not have a
social network weighting are arranged in any order, such as
alphabetical or numerical order.
[0061] FIG. 7C shows a contact list 25 that is arranged as a
function of the social network weighting. The contacts with the
greatest social network weighting (e.g., with the highest social
network weighting in FIG. 6) are displayed at the top of a contact
list 25. For example, since Mary Johnson's overall weighting is
greater than the other contacts in the contact list 25, Mary
Johnson's name is arranged at the top of the contact list. The
contacts that do not have social network weighting are arranged in
any order, such as alphabetical or numerical order. The social
network weighting may be used for a primary sort (i.e., sort
initially by social network weighting) or a secondary sort (e.g.,
sort by city with contacts in each city sorted by social network
weighting).
[0062] The processor 21 may cause the contact list 25 to be
displayed on the display device 24. The display device 24 may
display all, some, or none of the contact list 25. For example, the
display device 24 may display three contacts in the contact list,
even though there may be ten (10) total contacts in the contact
list 25. The input device 23 may be used to navigate or scroll
through the contact list 25.
[0063] Referring back to FIG. 2, the memories 22, 42 are computer
readable storage media. The computer readable storage media may
include various types of volatile and non-volatile storage media,
including but not limited to random access memory, read-only
memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically programmable
read-only memory, electrically erasable read-only memory, flash
memory, magnetic tape or disk, optical media and the like. The
memories 22, 42 may be a single device or a combination of devices.
The memories 22, 42 may be adjacent to, part of, networked with
and/or remote from the processors 21, 41.
[0064] The memories 22, 42 may be computer readable storage media
having stored therein data representing instructions executable by
the programmed processors 21, 41 for arranging a contact list 25.
The memories 22, 42 store instructions for the processors 21, 41.
The processors 21, 41 are programmed with and execute the
instructions. The functions, acts, methods or tasks illustrated in
the figures or described herein are performed by the programmed
processors 21, 41 executing the instructions stored in the memory
22, 42. The functions, acts, methods or tasks are independent of
the particular type of instructions set, storage media, processor
or processing strategy and may be performed by software, hardware,
integrated circuits, firm ware, micro-code and the like, operating
alone or in combination. The instructions are for implementing the
processes, techniques, methods, or acts described herein.
[0065] The memory 22 may store the contact list 25. The processor
21 may cause the contact list 25 to be stored in memory 22. For
example, the processor 21 may read or write the contact list 25.
The contact list 25 may be accessed for processing. For example,
the contact list 25 may be accessed, arranged based on social
network service context, and displayed on the display device
24.
[0066] The memory 22 may store data representing instructions
executable by programmed processor 21. The instructions may be
executed to arrange a contact list 25 as a function of social
network context. The instructions may include acts shown in the
Figures or described herein. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the
instructions may include receiving instructions 26, ordering
instructions 27, and displaying instructions 28.
[0067] The receiving instructions 26 may be executed to receive a
social network weighting for one or more contacts in the contact
list 25. The social network weighting may be received from the
server 40 or memory 22.
[0068] The ordering instructions 27 may be executed to arrange the
contact list 25 based on the social network weightings for one or
more contacts. Arranging the contact list 25 may include comparing
the social network weightings to determine the contact with the
social network weighting having the greatest weight. In other
words, the social network weightings may be compared to determine
the contact most likely to be selected based on the social network
context. The contact list 25 may be arranged in any sequence or
combination of sequences. The displaying instructions 28 may be
executed to display the arranged contact list on the display device
24.
[0069] The input device 23 may be dial pad, key board, touch pad,
scroll device, or other input device. The input device 23 may be
used to input information to the processor 21. The processor 21 may
use the input information to search for a contact in the contact
list 25. In the example above, Bob Johnson may begin typing Jack's
name (e.g., "Ja") using the dial pad on his cellular phone.
[0070] The display device 23 may be a CRT, monitor, flat panel, a
general display, LCD, projector, printer or other now known or
later developed display device for outputting determined
information. The display device 23 may display one or more images.
For example, the display device 23 displays a contact list 25. In
another example, the display device 23 displays input
information.
[0071] The display device 23 may be used to display social network
information. The display device 23 may display a graphical
interface that illustrates social network context generated by a
social network service. In the example above, the display device 23
may display a graphical interface that includes one, some, or all
of the features shown in FIG. 4. For example, the display device 23
may be used to view network 51 information, public message 52
information, event 54 information, private message 53 information,
profile 55 information, or information relating to another's social
network profile, messages, or other information. The social network
weights may be displayed.
[0072] FIG. 8 shows a method for arranging a contact list. The
method is implemented using the system 10 of FIG. 1 or a different
system. The acts may be performed in the order shown or a different
order. The acts may be performed automatically, manually, or the
combination thereof. The acts may be performed continuously,
intermittently, or as a rule. For example, act 820 may be performed
at a defined period of time, when a social network interaction
occurs, and/or each time a user finishes using a social network
service
[0073] The method includes determining a social network weighting
for one or more contacts in a contact list, and arranging the
contact list as a function of the social network weighting for one
or more contacts. Additional, different, or fewer acts may be
provided.
[0074] In act 810, a social network weighting is determined. A
social network weighting may be determined for one or more contacts
in a contact list is determined. For example, a social network
weighting may be determined for each individual in a contact list
and social network. The social network weighting may be an overall
weighting.
[0075] Determining a social network weighting may include
determining a social network weighting based on social network
context, transmitting a social network weighting, receiving a
social network weighting, or a combination thereof. Additional,
different, or fewer acts may be provided. For example, a
communication device may receive social network context and
determine a social network weighting based on social network
context.
[0076] A social network weighting may be determined based on social
network context. Social network context may include the
interactions, activities, and/or associations of a social network
user. The interactions, activities, and associations may be
assigned a weight. The weight may be determined based on the
likelihood that the contact will be selected in the contact list.
The likelihood that the contact will be selected in the contact
list may be based on the date, importance, or type of social
network interaction, activity, or association.
[0077] The user may be able to adjust the weighting or
determination of the weighting. For example, the user indicates
attendance at events as being more highly weighted than other
context. The relative weights for different context may be set
statistically, such as being based on a study of contacts by
context. The relative weights may adapt, such as determining a
particular users contact usage pattern in light of social
context.
[0078] The social network weighting may be transferred from a
server monitoring a social network service. Monitoring a social
network service may include monitoring social network context. A
communication device may receive the social network weighting.
[0079] In act 820, the contact list is arranged as a function of
the social network weightings for one or more contacts. Arranging
the contact list may include comparing social network weightings.
For example, a first social network weighting for a first contact
may be compared to second social network weighting for a second
contact. The contact list may be arranged so that the first or
second contact with a greater weighting is arranged above the first
or second contact with a lesser weighting.
[0080] One benefit of using social network context to arrange a
contact list is that the arranged contact list reflects a user's
interactions, activities, or associations with members of a social
network. Since the user's interactions, activities, or associations
may indicate an increased likelihood that the user will contact a
member of the social network, the user's interactions, activities,
and associations may be used to identify members of the social
network that a user is likely to contact.
[0081] Various embodiments described herein can be used alone or in
combination with one another. The forgoing detailed description has
described only a few of the many possible implementations of the
present invention. For this reason, this detailed description is
intended by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation. It
is only the following claims, including all equivalents that are
intended to define the scope of this invention.
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